Hope For Japan

Troy Lee Designs and Rizla Suzuki’s Álvaro Bautista are showing their on-going support for the relief efforts following the tragic events in Japan earlier this year, by holding an auction for the actual custom painted Shoei helmets worn by Álvaro Bautista during the USGP races in Laguna Seca and Indianapolis.  Proceeds from the auction will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The auction begins today, September 1, and will run for 10 days, ending Sunday, September 11.

Click here to see this auction on eBay >

This beautiful paint-scheme has been created by Troy Lee Designs‘ Japanese designer Maki Ushiroyama and features all the flags of the fourteen countries on the MotoGP calendar, with pride of place going to the Japanese ‘Nisshōki’ or ‘Hinomaru’ – as it is more commonly known – on the top of the helmet.  The colors of all nations is to represent the global support for Japan following the tragedy in March and an added message in Japanese translates as ‘Ganbare Nippon’, which literally means ‘Cheer up Japan, do your best and don’t give up!’   This is the actual helmet worn and raced at Laguna by Team Rizla Suzuki rider, Álvaro Bautista, and features some road rash after low-siding his Suzuki GSV-R while battling for a top six finish.  The helmet is personally signed by Álvaro Bautista and Troy Lee.

Because the helmet was worn by Álvaro at Laguna Seca, where he crashed out of the race, there is visible damage to the shell.  The helmet should only be used for display, not to be worn as protection for motorcycle riding, since the integrity is now compromised.

Donations received through your country’s Red Cross or Red Crescent Society will be used for Japanese Red Cross relief and early recovery activities, for example, for the purchase of a set of electric household appliances for people moving into purpose-built temporary houses and the provision of specially-equipped beds for elderly people who requires special care.  As of 18 August 2011, JPY 40.6 billion (USD 529 million) has been donated through National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world.

About Troy Lee Designs
For 30 years, Troy Lee Designs has been customizing helmets “For The World’s Fastest Racers.” Our relentless commitment to creating products that exceed the cutting edge style, design and quality, has given us the reputation as an innovator in many different racing fields. Troy Lee Designs has since expanded into a full force operation, offering a complete product line from helmets, racewear and premium protection, to casual wear and accessories.

About Rizla Suzuki MotoGP
Suzuki has been racing in motorcycle Grand Prix since 1960 and has won seven World Championship manufacturer titles and six individual titles.  Household names like Barry Sheene, Kevin Schwantz and Kenny Roberts Jr. have all raced to victory on a Suzuki.

The racing success also filters to other motorcycle Championships.  With current World Champions in World Endurance and Supercross allied to many national titles, it shows Suzuki’s strength in depth and desire to win is still as strong as ever.

Suzuki’s motorcycle operations are based at Hamamatsu in Japan, with the MotoGP team’s headquarters now residing at Verwood in Dorset, England.

About Japanese Red Cross Society
The Japanese Red Cross Society’s National Headquarters is located in the heart of Tokyo and supports a nation-wide network of chapters throughout all 47 prefectures. Each chapter has a Board of Councillors composed of elected members who supervise its activities. Below the chapter level are branches formed in association with government administrative units at the city, ward, town, and village levels. Chapters and branches are usually headed by leaders of the community they represent and serve as the machinery for recruiting members and collecting membership fees and contributions.

For more information about Japanese Red Cross Society, or to make a donation, visit their website: http://www.jrc.or.jp/.

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Media Contact:
Chris Lewinski
951-371-5219 x277
clewinski@troyleedesigns.com

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